Kitchen heats up at Jamie’s Ministry of Food Geelong
The Good Foundation and Minister for Health David Davis today marked the official opening of Jamie’s Ministry of Food kitchen in Geelong.
Mr Davis said Jamie’s Ministry of Food in Moorabool Street Geelong was part of the Prevention Community Model, a jointly-funded initiative from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments.
“We are committed to working with the community in tackling preventable diseases, obesity and chronic illness and promoting healthier lifestyles,” Mr Davis said.
“The Jamie’s Ministry of Food centre in Geelong will teach people how to cook simple, nutritious and tasty meals using fresh ingredients, with the first 10-week course to start on October 9.
“The course also covers meal planning, budgeting and shopping tips as well as key nutritional information.”
Mr Davis said the Victorian Coalition Government was targeting more than $100 million of State and National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health funding on a range of statewide and local strategies to turn around unhealthy lifestyles.
“This includes $2.87 million for The Good Foundation to deliver cooking classes through the Jamie’s Ministry of Food Geelong centre and a mobile kitchen which will travel to 11 other sites, setting up for 10 weeks at a time,” Mr Davis said.
“Jamie’s Ministry of Food Geelong and the mobile kitchen will provide cooking courses for more than 10,000 Victorians.”
From early 2013 the mobile kitchen will deliver cooking classes to residents of Ararat, Cardinia, Central Goldfields, Bendigo, Dandenong, Hume, Knox, Latrobe, Mildura, Pyrenees, Whittlesea, Wodonga and Wyndham municipalities.
The Good Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that has partnered with Jamie Oliver and The Good Guys to roll-out Jamie’s Ministry of Food throughout Australia.
Mr Davis said the Victorian Coalition Government recognised the importance of good health, to each Victorian as an individual, to their families and to the Victorian community.
“Good health is important for the learning and development of young people, and it is important for a strong and resilient workforce,” Mr Davis said.
“We are seeking to position Victoria as a world leader in prevention, through progressive and responsive initiatives.”
Mr Davis said the City of Greater Geelong was one of 12 new prevention areas across Victoria that would be working with its community, offering programs under the Prevention Community Model.
“The Prevention Community Model aims to improve people’s health where they live, learn, work and play. By addressing the underlying causes of chronic preventable disease, local communities will develop local solutions for healthy living,” Mr Davis said.
“The Prevention Community Model is an excellent example of all levels of government working together and committing to building healthier communities, and a healthier Geelong.”
